Have you ever heard of Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN)? Probably not. It’s a really rare neuromuscular disorder.
Hi! My name is Jordan and I’m 9-years old. When I was three and a half, a doctor told me I had GAN. My family had no idea what this 
meant. But the doctor told us that my nervous system is slower and doesn’t work as well as other kids’.
When I was little, I had trouble standing up and walking. At first, my parents thought I was just clumsy. I don’t remember this very well, but my mom says getting my diagnosis was like a never-ending road.
It took two whole years to figure out what was happening to me. When they finally found out about my disorder, my mom says it felt like she was kicked in the gut.
If you give a gift today, scientists can find out more about rare disorders to help people, like me. And today, your gift will go two times as far because a generous donor has agreed to match all gifts to my letter up to $25,000.
Did you know there are over 160 different kinds of neuromuscular disorders? That’s a lot. I have one of the really rare types. And there are lots of other people with different rare types too! Thankfully MDC is here to help people no matter what type they have!
Will you give a gift today so families like mine can get the help they need?
When I was 4-years-old, I needed a walker. Then when I turned five, I got my first wheelchair. Later, MDC helped me get a cool new power wheelchair. I’m really lucky, because I have donors, like you, to help me. But there are a lot of other people with rare disorders who need help, too.
It’s great that we know what my disorder is so that I can get the help I need. Many kids aren’t able to get diagnosed.
My disorder never stops me from having fun! I always wanted to 
learn how to dance so my mom signed me up for dance classes. She didn’t want to wait because one day I might be in my wheelchair full-time and dance classes would be very different.
Sometimes, my family needs help. If I need a new wheelchair or something else to help me, my mom just picks up the phone and calls MDC. Sometimes she talks to them for a long time, but she always seems happy.
Donors like you help make moms and dads feel happy, and less angry and sad. Right now, because of a special donor, your gift will help even more people! Will you give a gift today?
There are so many different types of disorders. But everyone should be able to get the help they need! MDC supports research, advocacy and helps families like mine get support and equipment—like my walker and wheelchair! When you donate to MDC, it really helps. We are so lucky to have you.
By giving a gift, you give me and families all over Canada HOPE for the future. I’m counting on you to give a generous gift today so you can help others live their best life.
Thank you for helping kids like me keep on dancing!
Jordan Gagnon
P.S. A generous donor has agreed to match the gifts from my letter! How awesome is that? They will match up to $25,000. Which means we can help so many other families. MDC supports research for treatments and earlier diagnosis and supports families impacted by ALL neuromuscular disorders, even the really rare ones—like mine!
